Tax Deductions and Retirement
Found 38 Articles.
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Last-Minute Tax Law Extends Deductions
This year more than ever it is advisable to read the instructions carefully and check the IRS’s web site before filing 2006 tax returns. If you use tax preparation software, be sure to download the free updates before completing your returns. Take these precautions because Congress slipped through a new tax law before it adjourned […]
Charitable Deduction Rules
Large charitable gifts require extra detail on your tax return. When a contribution of property is between $500 and $5,000, details must be provided about the gifts on Section A of Form 8283. When the value exceeds $5,000, a qualified appraisal must be included. Complete details about the reporting requirements are in IRS Publication 561 […]
How to Increase Charitable Deductions
Americans wrapped up a big year of charitable giving in 2005. Hurricanes, tsunamis, and other events created needs around the globe, and Americans responded with generosity. Charitable giving is most effective when it is planned. That is why many charities have an official or office with the title Planned Giving. Get the maximum benefit from […]
The Most Overlooked Deduction
Those who inherit IRAs often are not aware of a deduction they can take to shelter IRA distributions from income taxes. Even most tax experts do not understand “income in respect of a decedent.” Most skip over the topic in school and expect not to run into it. But with so many people owning valuable […]
New Rules for Donating Used Cars
Plans need to be revised by taxpayers who intended to reap big tax breaks by donating used cars, boats, or planes to charity. Congress rewrote the law in 2004, and the IRS recently issued rules explaining the new law. Under the old law, a taxpayer could donate a used car to charity and deduct the […]
Get a Jump on Charitable Giving
Charitable giving tends to be clustered in the last couple of months of the year. But if you want to maximize charitable giving and your after-tax wealth, begin your charitable gift planning now. Instead of rushing the process in the busy year-end period, take the time today to plan the best way to make gifts […]
How to Reduce Taxes by Passing Up Some Deductions
In early October, Congress voted to extend for another year the higher exemption amounts for the AMT that were enacted in the 2003 tax law. The exemptions were to expire at the end of 2004. Yet, many of you still are likely to be snared by the AMT. You need to carefully review your finances […]
How to Maximize Retirement Community Deductions
A portion of long-term care expenses are deductible as medical expenses. The question taxpayers often ask is what portion of the fees paid to retiree communities, such as assisted living facilities or nursing homes, can be deducted. The Tax Court recently stepped into this issue and set some new rules. When someone enters a nursing […]
